JVC Enters Cinema Marketplace, Announces Four New Super-35 4K Cameras at NAB 2014

It's camera season here in Vegas, and adding to the mix is JVC, announcing not one (who announces just one camera anymore?) but four new 4K-capable large sensor camcorders. So if you haven't already had enough new cameras to sift through yet, hit the jump for the details.

Here's a bit of the backstory of JVC's involvement with 4K from their press release:

In 2012, JVC introduced the world’s first handheld 4K camcorder, the GY-HMQ10. At the 2014 NAB Show, we are providing a look into an expanding 4K future with four new technology demonstrations. The first two prototypes signal JVC’s entry into the digital cinematography marketplace.

Release dates and pricing is currently unknown for all these cameras:

Photo courtesy of Tim Dashwood

GY-LSX1 4K shoulder mount camera:

• Super-35mm sensor.
• PL lens mount.
• 4K (4096×2160 or 3840×216) at up to 60p
• HD up to 240p for super slo-motion.
• Records to SDHX, SDXC UHSI memory cards in MPEG-4 AVC/h.264 4:2:2 codec
• 4 audio channels.
• 4K signal output via quad HD-SDI or HDMI 2.0.
• Advanced IP communications capability (remote control and streaming).
• 1920×1080 derived from a 2/3″ equivalent windowed portion of the sensor.
• Genlock and TC in/out.
• ISO sensitivity, dynamic range unknown.

GY-LSX2 4K handheld camera:

• Super-35mm sensor.
• Micro Four Thirds lens mount.
• 4K at 24p and 30p can be recorded onto SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Optional simultaneous recording to HD and SD or HD and proxy, as well as simultaneous recording and streaming.

The other two cameras from this announcement were designed specifically for broadcast applications:

GW-SPLS1 a two-piece mini 4K camera:

• Super 35mm sensor.
• Micro Four Thirds lens mount.
• 4K can be recorded to SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Live output via quad HD-SDI or HDMI 2.0.
• Same 13.6MP sensor as the LSX models.
• Records to SDHC media.
• IP control and viewing.
• Genlock and timecode capability.
• 5-meter tether cable is included, with an optional 20-meter cable.
• The recording half of the unit has a folding 7″ monitor.

Photo courtesy of Tim Dashwood

GW-GBLS1:

• The head from the GW-SPLS1 together with a complete gimbal system.
• Super 35mm CMOS.
• 4096×2160 or 3840×2160 resolution at up to 60p.

Until we get pricing information and more information about the dynamic range of the new sensor, it's hard to place these cameras in the race. What do you think about JVC's new offerings? Join the discussion in the comments below.

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